Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 23

"I see you're alive and well," Ibiki said.

The man glanced up from the report on the desk to where the Be Fong stood just feet away in his office.

"For the most part," she answered.

The man chuckled, staring at the injury. "I honestly don't know how you managed it... But you have my respect."

"Thank you, sir."

"We can't put you on missions, you know that. And having you sit around and do nothing I know won't be good for you either."

The Be Fong weas glad that they were on the same page in that department.

"I can count on you to be back to work in record time though. Have you regained any movement since the war?"

"Not as of yet, but I'm not worried."

Of course not. "For now, I want you to be focused on your physical training, no arguments."

He could use her in interrogation. However, Ibiki wasn't a hundred percent sure on where her mind was at, given the trauma that could have unfolded on the field. A number of Leaf Ninja were already being looked after in regards to their experiences. The Be Fong was too cunning hiding her true emotions and Ibiki did not wish to tamper with it. That was dangerous as it wasn't that long since the conflict ended.

"I will be transferring you to security along the gates once your therapist gives the approval to report to light duty. You will join Kotetsu and Izumo during the morning to afternoon shift."

Well, it was better than desk duty. "Yes, sir."

"For now, I'd like for you to visit the Nara Household once a day."

Mai's brow cocked. "Sir?"

"You will train with Shikamaru on strategy by playing Shogi or Go. That will give you something to do while you're recovering. Exercise your mind. It will be good for you when returning to the field."

"By playing a board game?"

"It worked for Shikamaru, and look where it's gotten him."

She couldn't argue with that. For a Chuunin, the teen was a genius with it came to combat. He should be ranked higher than where he was at currently, but higher status never concerned him.

"Shikamaru's already agreed to it. In fact, I believe he's already waiting for you. Dismissed."

It was an odd request from the commander, but the Be Fong knew better than to further question it. She made her way through Konoha to the Nara Compound. Sure enough when passing under the gate, the teen found Shikamaru hunched over a Shogi board examining the contents on the wrap around porch to his home.

"I thought I was going to be playing myself all day," Shikamaru spoke. His head picked up. "You're late."

"I didn't know I had to be here at a specific time," Mai said. "You should have told Ibiki."

The Chuunin shrugged his shoulders. "I figured you had more pressing matters being a member of Phantom. Still, I thought you were quicker when reporting in."

"Not at the moment. I've had to do everything on foot as of late." The Be Fong took a seat on the other side of the board and the two began to reset the pieces. "It's been nice... taking my time."

He was the first one to make a move on the board.

"I'm sorry about your father," the Be Fong said. "You probably don't want to hear it because everyone else is saying the same, but I am sorry for your loss."